Who are the officers and officials of the House, and what are their duties?
Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution empowers the House of Representatives to choose its Speaker and other officers. The Constitution does not specifically identify the other officers, who currently are the clerk, sergeant at arms, chief administrative officer, and chaplain. These officers are elected at the beginning of each Congress (Rule II). The Clerk of the House, as the chief legislative officer, directs administrative activities that support the legislative process such as keeping the Journal, recording all votes, certifying bill passage, and processing all legislation. View the list of Clerks of the House, 1789-present. The Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement officer for the House, and is responsible for maintaining security, order, and decorum in the House Chamber, House wing of the Capitol, and House office buildings. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for certain administrative and financial activities that support the operations of the
